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With less than a month to go before Expo 2020 Dubai opens to the public, stringent health precautions are being taken to ensure the site is safe for visitors despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
About 25 million visits are expected during the Expo, which stretches over 182 days with cultural shows and conferences taking place daily.
Representatives of countries participating in the Expo said the organisers have “relentlessly worked on sanitary and security measures” to make sure a visit to the World Expo is enjoyable and safe.
“For several months now, the organisers deployed unprecedented measures to guarantee everyone’s safety for the world to enjoy this international event,” Erik Linquier, commissioner general for the France Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai told The National.
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Laser lights will dart out of the ceiling as part of a dazzling light installation at the France Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: France Pavilion Expo 2020 -
Claude Monet's famous Water Lilies oil painting is the inspiration for the France Pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: France Pavilion Expo 2020 -
Solar panels line the roof and façade of the France pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: France Pavilion Expo 2020 -
A 'Pavilion of Lights' is how the France Pavilion will be described at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: France Pavilion Expo 2020 -
The design of the Luxembourg Pavilion echoes an object with no boundaries. Photo: Luxembourg Pavilion -
The Luxembourg Pavilion at the World Expo in Dubai comprises of a three-storey slide made of plexi-glass and stainless steel. Photo: Luxembourg Pavilion -
A slide will take visitors past lush trees and plants inside the Luxembourg Pavilion. Photo: Luxembourg Pavilion -
Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Cecilie Hollberg, director of the Galleria dell’Accademia Di Firenze, during the unveiling ceremony of the David statue at the Italy pavilion at the Expo 2020 site in Dubai in April. -
A 3D copy of the famous David statue is the centrepiece of the Italy pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai. -
A lifesize model of the David statue inside the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai is the most realistic copy of the world's most famous marble masterpiece. -
Three boat hulls that resemble a large wave form the roof of the Italian Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai -
A view of the Italy pavilion at the Expo 2020 site during construction in April. -
A statue in the Mobility Pavilion. Photo: Dubai Expo 2020 -
The Dubai Expo will open its doors in October. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
An aerial view of the Dubai Expo site. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai. -
Aerial general view of the Sustainability Pavilion.
A look at some of the measures at the site in Dubai.
What precautions will be in place on entry?
Thermal cameras at arrival points will check the temperature of visitors before they enter the site. Masks must be worn at all times in the outdoor areas and in all indoor settings.
How will safety rules be maintained inside the site?
Social distancing of at least two metres between people is required. All venues and common areas will be regularly cleaned and sanitised. Hand sanitiser stations are located throughout the site.
Will restaurants and pavilions follow safety guidelines?
Dining areas will keep tables distanced and maintain a pre-agreed seating capacity. Markings on the ground will indicate the distance between people when visiting exhibits, watching performances or unwinding in parks.
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Plant-based food by celebrity vegan chef Matthew Kenney will be served up in Terra – the Sustainability pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
The three-storey vegan dining complex will house a trio of vegan kitchens. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Chef Kenney will be overseeing two restaurants, Veg’d and XYST. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
The third kitchen will be home to Floozie Cookie that will serve 100 per cent vegan biscuits. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
The Sustainability Pavilion is definitely eye-catching from the outside. Pawan Singh / The National -
Stephan Bhoyroo is the co-founder of Emirati coffee roastery Canvas by Coffee Culture, which will open in Mission Possible, the Opportunity Pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
The Opportunity Pavilion aims to illustrate how small steps can lead to big changes. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Visitors will be guided through three ‘tracks’ that focus on water, food and energy. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Alif, the Mobility Pavilion, will feature the world’s largest passenger lift that can transport 160-plus people at one time. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Abu Dhabi-based chef Jessica Queitsch will launch Alif Cafe by farm2table in the Mobility Pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Do visitors need to be vaccinated to enter?
Visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai will need to show evidence of a Covid-19 vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours. Officials also announced non-vaccinated ticket-holders who have not been tested within the 72-hour period can test at the PCR testing facility adjacent to the Expo 2020 site.
Are medical facilities available if visitors are unwell?
The Expo has three world-class medical and Covid-19 testing facilities. These will be operated by the Dubai Health Authority and will be open 24x7 and staffed by doctors and nurses. There will be on-site Expo ambulances. Anyone showing symptoms of Covid-19 will be referred to the DHA.
Where can visitors go if they feel ill?
If anyone feels ill or requires medical assistance, they can visit any one of seven first aid posts, the medical centres or ask Expo staff for help. The first aid posts are open all through the week. All staff are equipped to provide visitors with care in an emergency.
Are there storage units for medicines?
Medicines can be left at a first aid centre. The medication must be sealed and labelled with the name of the person. It must be collected at the end of the day. Any items left behind will be disposed of.
How will Expo staff keep safe?
Morning and evening inspections are being conducted on buses that transport workers to the site to ensure that Covid-19 precautionary measures are being followed. Deep cleaning and sanitation of all transport services before picking up staff and after drop-off. Expo 2020 maintains 25 per cent capacity in buses transporting workers. Open buffets have been suspended in accommodation areas.
